The months of September and October are often utilized to get back into the gym as high school programs hold workouts or open runs. Whether it be new faces on the team or players who will be expected to take…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inThe months of September and October are often utilized to get back into the gym as high school programs hold workouts or open runs. Whether it be new faces on the team or players who will be expected to take on a bigger role this season, it’s always an opportunity to get a better feel for how teams will look as winter approaches quickly.
The discussion around rankings never stop (trust me). As I’ve made my way around to different gyms, it’s allowed me to see dozens of prospects and gather a list of the juniors who are best suited to improve their rankings in the future update.
Acaden Lewis
Acaden
Lewis
6'2" | PG
Sidwell Friends | 2025
State
MD
| Sidwell Friends/
Team Melo
Current Ranking: No. 10
When Lewis decided to transfer to Sidwell Friends over the summer he also decided to reclass to 2025. The 6’2 southpaw guard is as skilled as they come with the ball. He has advanced feel in ball screens where he’s a threat to manufacture paint touches, pull-ups in the mid-range and has the ability to deliver pocket passes to rolling bigs. Lewis will be a staple on a loaded Friends squad and as a result, should see his ranking rise significantly along with his recruitment.
William Harper
William
Harper
6'4" | PG
Gonzaga | 2025
State
MD
| Gonzaga/
DC Premier
Current Ranking: No. 14
Gonzaga has a stable of young prospects with major upside and Harper fits that bill. He’s the type of versatile piece at 6’3-6’4 who can impact the game at both ends and will be expected to do so for head coach Steve Turner this season. If he does just that, Harper could find himself in the top 10 of the updated rankings.
Omarr Smith
Omarr
Smith
6'3" | SG
City | 2025
State
MD
| Curley/
Team Thrill
Current Ranking: No. 19
Smith showed signs of positivity as a freshman, but what he’s put together since the early summer was a strong confirmation that he will be one of the top shooters in this class. The 6’3 lefty continues to look closer to 6’4 as time progresses and with that, his confidence has risen. He’s more of a threat off the bounce and welcomes physicality on his journey to the basket. He’s a tough-minded competitor who will be expected to lead the Friars to new heights this season in the MIAA B Conference.
Alex Touomou
Alex
Touomou
6'6" | PF
Gonzaga | 2025
State
MD
| Gonzaga/
DC Premier
Current Ranking: No. 27
Touomou is another Gonzaga prospect with a high ceiling and when you look at his frame you can tell there’s plenty of growth ahead. At 6’5 he has wide shoulders to go with a fundamental approach. I recently caught Touomou as preseason workouts where his scoring versatility was on display. He can score around or above the rim and has a dependable trigger from three off the catch. Given his blend of size, athleticism and strength, Toumou is going to be a valuable defensive piece for Coach Turner where he should guard three positions competently.
Shane Pendergrass
Shane
Pendergrass
6'8" | PF
Mt. Zion Prep | 2025
State
MD
| Gwynn Park/
DC Premier
Current Ranking: No. 28
Pendergrass made to move from Good Counsel to Gwynn Park to lace up for head coach Rob Garner and a talented roster set to wreak havoc in PG County. What he’ll bring is great positional size at 6’8 and will demand his matchup to guard him on the perimeter. He’s a pick-and-pop threat who should see consistent shots come his way thanks to the playmaking guards he’s playing alongside. If he can continue to prove himself as a consistent rebounder, alter shots around the rim and do some dirty work inside, there’s no doubt that he will climb up the rankings.
